United News of Bangladesh

Representatives from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday evening. The seven-member delegation of the student leaders arrived at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office around 5:15 PM for discussions on the country’s latest situation, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. BNP warns of legal action against unauthorised use of party name He said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and Joint General Secretary Shaheeduddin Chowdhury Anne accompanied Fakhrul during the meeting. Sayrul said Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah, Spokesperson Umama Fatema, and Chief Organiser Abdul Hannan Masud, along with Jatiya Nagorik Committee Convener Nasiruddin Patoari and Spokesperson Samantha Sharmin, as well as Akhter Hossain were present.

BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday said it is now a demand of the time to complete reforms quickly for establishing a government elected by the people. “One aspiration of 16 years’ struggle and the mass uprising of students and people in July-August has been fulfilled with the fall of fascism. But another aspiration is the restoration of democracy and the restoration of people’s rights,” he said addressing a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club. The BNP leader said democracy needs to be restored in such a way that it cannot be used against the people. “True democracy and people's democracy must be reestablished. Therefore, it is now a demand of the time to establish an elected government and elected rule by completing the necessary reforms,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, warned that the longer the government takes time in holding the election, the more new organisations will emerge and many individuals will present various proposals and aspirations, claiming to represent the people's will. Jamaat calls for uninterrupted reforms dismissing constitutional constraints Even, he said, "If the biggest party in Bangladesh claims that this is the aspiration of the people, it will still not be valid until it is approved by the people." The BNP leader said the rule of the people needs to be established with the confidence of the public, and the democratic government must run the country as per the people’s consent and aspirations. "For that, I believe the necessary provisions should be incorporated, and the constitution should be amended." This rally was organised by the Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani Anusari Parishad, demanding the re-inclusion of Bhasani's biography in the seventh and ninth grade textbooks. Nazrul said the current interim government did not usurp power, as they were entrusted by all with the responsibility to address the people’s daily needs and materialise their aspirations. He said that people have the sole authority to make decisions on important matters related to their emotions, interests, and desires, and it is impolitic to impose any decision on these issues. No alternative to elected govt, says Khosru “We incorporated the system of referendum in the constitution so that people can express their opinions on important state issues, but the previous government deprived them of that right by removing the system,” the BNP leader mentioned. He said the provision of referendum should be reincorporated into the constitution to allow the public to express their views on significant issues. “It won’t be enough to rely solely on the opinions of a few learned and prudent individuals regarding matters that affect the people's interests.” Recalling the role of Moulana Bhasani, Nazrul said the Awami League regime attempted to erase the name and immense contributions of the great leader from history. “They (AL) have already been punished for it. They were not only defeated but had to flee. There is no such instance in the history of this country. Many leaders were previously assassinated and imprisoned, but no one fled the country,” he observed. People won’t wait indefinitely for elections: BNP  The BNP leader said that there are many reasons why the Awami League had to endure such a significant insult. “One of them is that they tried to erase the names of many great sons of the soil. They prioritised not just a party but a family, which is a political crime. They received their punishment. I believe this should be a lesson not just for them but for all of us politicians.” He said everyone’s place in history and their achievements and contributions should be acknowledged. “Otherwise, history won’t forgive you.”   

The Rangpur unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has formed a Hindu committee in its Pirgachha Sadar union of the district. Pirgachha Sadar union Jamaat leader Abdur Jabbar announced the committee's name at the Upazila Jamaat office on Saturday afternoon. Bhavesh Chandra Barman, an assistant professor of Mirzapur Degree College, has been made president of the committee, while Bijon Chandra Das, a medicine trader, as its general secretary. Jamaat calls for uninterrupted reforms dismissing constitutional constraints The other members of the committee are: vice president Tapas Chandra Roy, a demonstrator at Devi Chowdhurani Degree College; assistant secretary Sudharanjan Barman, president of Kisamat Jhinia Sanatan Sangha; and treasurer Provash Chandra Barman, an assistant teacher at Deuti School and College. Earlier, a discussion meeting with around 200 people from the Hindu community was held.

Jamaat Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar has urged the interim government to pursue continuous reforms leaving behind any constitutional constraints. "No revolution in history has adhered to constitutional frameworks. Similarly, the revolution sparked by the student and public movement in Bangladesh during July-August period did not follow constitutional guidelines," he said while addressing the member (Rukon) conference at Shariatpur Municipal Auditorium on Saturday. Golam Parwar said Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, but she did not stop conspiring. Syndicates must be broken to ease people's suffering: Jamaat Ameer He went on to say, “She’s now conspiring against the nation from abroad. Citizens must remain vigilant against these threats. For the past 15-16 years, we have been struggling. Many have lost their lives, faced assaults, or been wrongfully sued during our protests.” "Those responsible for these crimes have yet to be held accountable. The blood is still fresh, and the trial process has not begun,” he added. The Jamaat leader demanded immediate prosecution of the murderers as both society and the country will suffer if they remain unpunished. "The era of oppression is over. It is now time to move the country forward." The Awami League government embezzled crores of taka during its tenure and is now using that wealth to conspire against the country and its people, he said, describing Sheikh Hasina's government as fascist. Golam Parwar said that the foundation of national unity will stem from the mass revolution of 2024, urging all political parties to unite in the spirit of this movement to build a better Bangladesh.

BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said there is no alternative to establishing an elected parliament and government for restoring people's ownership of the country and fulfilling their aspirations. “Now is the time to restore people’s ownership of Bangladesh. This means fully ensuring their right to vote fully so that they can elect a parliament and government that will be accountable to them. There’s no alternative to this,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at the sixth national council of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Khosru, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said that a monster like Hasina was created because she never required votes as she usurped power through one-sided elections repeatedly. People won’t wait indefinitely for elections: BNP  He said Sheikh Hasina snatched people's voting rights, violated human rights and undermined the rule of law. “Restoring people's ownership is the main issue now, and this must be achieved by holding free, fair and acceptable elections and reestablishing democracy.” The BNP leader said Sheikh Hasina was removed through a national unity. “We must maintain that unity to achieve our goal of restoring people's ownership of Bangladesh.” He insisted that there has been a significant shift in people's mindset, with new thoughts and aspirations emerging about the future of Bangladesh. Khosru said the nation must move forward to realise the people's desires by maintaining unity. “If politicians fail to understand the nation’s needs and changes in mindset, then politics will have no future,” he warned. He also said there should be no division among political parties on fundamental issues like democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the economic emancipation of the people. The BNP leader acknowledged that while there may be differences of opinion among political parties, they must respect one another to fulfill people's desires through healthy political practices. He also said the only way to restore democratic order in the country is by holding credible, neutral, and inclusive elections through promptly carrying out electoral reforms. Khosru alleged that Sheikh Hasina has destroyed the country's institutions and political structure, which must be reformed. Banning BCL not enough, illegal arms holders must face justice: BNP He mentioned that their party, led by Khaleda Zia, first presented reform proposals six years ago by unveiling the Vision-2030. Later, the BNP leader said that their party, together with other democratic parties, put forward a 31-point proposal for state reforms. “These aren’t just BNP proposals as those were formulated with other parties who’re in our simultaneous movement. Reform isn’t new to us. We need to implement the 31-point reform and form a national government after the elections. We’re committed to this.” He said there are no differences of opinion about the need for electoral reforms to ensure a credible and acceptable election. “This is an easy task. You (govt) just need to form the election commission and update the voter list for a transparent election. The remaining basic reforms can be achieved through national consensus.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned home from Canberra, Australia, on Friday night after a 15-day personal visit. The BNP leader, along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum, reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight at aboit 10:25pm, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB. The BNP leader went to Australia on October 10 to visit his elder daughter. His wife went to Australia earlier, but the couple returned home together. Fakhrul off to Australia to see his daughter Fakhrul's eldest daughter, Dr Shamaruh Mirza, is a medical scientist who has been living in Canberra, Australia, since 2006. While she is a doctor, Shamaruh is primarily recognised as a women's organiser.  In 2017, she co-founded SiTara’s Story to provide women from diverse backgrounds a safe space to discuss their challenges and gain confidence. The organisation allows women to talk about stigmatised topics without fear, form support networks, and empower themselves.  In 2021, SiTara’s Story received the ACT Mental Health Month award, and Shamaruh was a finalist for the Canberra Community Spirits Award. In 2022, she was honoured with Australia’s prestigious award ‘Australian of the Year.’

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday urged the interim government to prioritise completing electoral reforms fast, as people will not wait indefinitely for the next national election. “The interim government was tasked with the main issue of ensuring a credible election and restoring people’s voting rights.  However, it is focusing on other issues, straying from the primary problem,” he said. Gayeshwar made the remarks at an introductory meeting of the Munshiganj District unit Nari O Shishu Odhikar Forum at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He expressed concern over various statements made by some advisers that have raised doubts about holding the election within a reasonable timeframe. “We’ll say Alhamdulillah for everything you do, but it should have a time limit, and patience has a time limit. Create a quick outline of the election and then do the rest,” Gayeshwar said. The BNP leader also pointed out that if the government attempts to address everything, nothing will succeed. "There is no need for new reforms, as the people won’t wait indefinitely for elections." Stating that it is the responsibility of politicians to reform the state, he said the interim government should not take months after months for the reforms. Gayeshwar noted that the BNP has already presented a 31-point reform outline which the government can review and engage in talks with political parties. “Reforms should be based on consensus with political parties. Political problems need to be resolved by politicians,” he observed. The BNP leader said that a plot of depoliticisation initiated during the 1/11 political changeover is still ongoing. "Politics has to be dealt with through politics.” “If you (govt) think that only students put you in power, then you are wrong, and you’ll stumble. The anti-autocracy movement is the final outcome of years of agitation by people of all classes and professions,” he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Friday underscored the need for national unity rooted in the spirit of the 2024 student-people mass revolution. Speaking at the Rukan (Members) Council of the Jamaat-e-Islami Gazipur district unit, he urged all political parties to align with the collective movement rather than diverge from its principles. “We want to make it clear that the foundation of national unity must be the 2024 mass revolution,” Dr. Shafiqur said. “Our party and others must not consider paths that ignore the spirit of this movement.” He further appealed to political leaders, urging them not to oppose the people’s collective demands. “We must stand unwaveringly with the people,” he said, warning that no party should attempt to disregard or undermine the just aspirations of the public. Addressing the need for cohesion among political factions, he said, “This country belongs to all of us. Our nation does not want to see divisions among parties over fundamental interests.” He highlighted the importance of national solidarity to confront ongoing and future challenges, saying, “We must face every crisis and conspiracy as one, with a strong unity, Inshallah.” The Jamaat chief also spoke to the aspirations of the younger generation, stressing their desire for a "humane Bangladesh" where civil rights are guaranteed from birth to death. "We envision a welfare state that upholds justice for all citizens without exception,” he said. Central Jamaat leaders, including Muhammad Ijjat Ullah, Dr. Samiul Haque Faruki, Dr. Khalilur Rahman Madani, and Abul Hashem Khan, also addressed the gathering.  

BNP Chairperson's advisory council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Friday urged the interim government to promptly initiate the process of a fair election without delaying reforms as plots are on to destabilise the country. "There is a conspiracy to weaken the interim government, which is disrupting the reform process. I urge Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus to stay vigilant about this,” he said. BNP warns of legal action against unauthorised use of party name Speaking at a sit-in programme, he also said the government should complete reforms to the Election Commission urgently based on the opinions of the political parties to start the election process. The Senbagh Forum in Dhaka arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of all cases filed against BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Farroque also demanded that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India, be brought back to the country immediately. He claimed that Sheikh Hasina, who is involved in the disappearances of Ilyas Ali and Chowdhury Alam in Bangladesh and the killings of many opposition leaders and activists, was seen walking around a park in Delhi under special security. The BNP leader noted that a fallen dictator like Hasina walks in a park in Delhi, the capital of a country that once boasted to the world as a democratic nation. "I demand that the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government bring back Sheikh Hasina, against whom an arrest warrant has been issued by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh. She should be held accountable under the law and punished,” he said. Farroque stated that the syndicate pushing up the prices of essential items is connected to the ghost of Awami League. “Those involved in the potato syndicate, the onion syndicate, and the sugar syndicate are once again alert and plotting," he said. The BNP leader emphasised that the government must take swift action against the Awami business syndicate. “The longer we wait, the more they will assert themselves... We need to bring them under the law and break their hold."

The Awami League (AL) on Thursday condemned the interim government’s decision to ban the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), describing it as a “despicable and nefarious act” aimed at undermining the legacy of the country’s Liberation War. In a statement released on its official social media platforms, including Facebook and X, the Awami League labeled the move as “cruel revenge orchestrated by forces defeated in the 1971 war for Bangladesh’s independence.” “The organization that played a pivotal role in leading the Bengali freedom struggle and the Liberation War of Bangladesh has been banned by an illegal government. This is a tragic and ironic blow to the nation’s history,” the statement read. The Awami League underscored that the BCL, founded by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on January 4, 1948, has always been instrumental in advocating for Bengali rights and self-determination. “No other student organization in the world has been so closely tied to the birth of a nation,” the party said. The party expressed its outrage over the interim government’s labeling of the BCL as a “terrorist organization,” saying that the move “This is a serious blow to the spirit of the freedom struggle and the Liberation War.” The statement also recalled BCL’s leadership in both the Liberation War and the post-independence democratic struggles, particularly following the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975. Furthermore, the Awami League accused the interim government of “granting impunity” to individuals responsible for killing students, police, and Awami League members since July 15, acts it said amounted to “genocide” under international law. The party condemned what it described as the persecution of teachers, destruction of the economy, and widespread hunger among the population. “We strongly condemn and protest the hateful and heinous act of banning an organization with deep historical ties to the country’s freedom, like the Chhatra League,” the Awami League statement said.